Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I picked out a sterilite to house my BP in. It's 44"x 19"x 7" high. Anyway, I have an issue with the lid that comes with it. It clamps down on the ends but not in the middle. So, while the ends are securely clamped down, the middle if the lid can be pushed up off of the container real easily. So, obviously my BP could eventually squeeze out of that. Anyway, what can I do to solve this problem? Are there some kind of clamps that I could buy to put on the sides of the lid? If not, are there other types of containers that size that have clamps on all sides? I don't have that issue with smaller containers but the ones that big seems to have lids that aren't secure on the sides. Anyway, any advice on this would be appreciated! Thanks!

I'm using the CB-70s with the lids right now for quarantine, they also have the lids that clamp down on the ends. So far my biggest girl has not been able to push her way out. Maybe there's more of an issue with the sterelites, I don't know. You can try tying a bungy (sp?) cord around the middle.
-----
Tosha

3.7.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently un-named)
0.1.0 Siberian Husky (Kita)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
7.9.5 Fish (1,2,3,4...)
0.0.1 Frog rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.2 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer

It sounds like you’re using the split lids. I use CB 70 which doesn’t use the split lid. The split lid should however work in a rack. The rack shelve top and bottom keeps the lid from opening.

Good luck
-----
Larry Walker

Two people have mentioned CB 70 containers...where can those be purchased? I have a large female ball python that I need to find an enclosure for...Can anyone tell me where those can be purchased and what they cost? Thanks!!

Melody

Check out the classifieds cages section and look for Reptile Tubs ads. They sell CB70's. You can also go to I think wantapet.net or something like that. Check out the racks from Animal Plastics w/IRIS tubs, and they provide a link to Office Depot or Office Max to purchase the tubs. Freedom Breeder will also sell the tubs I believe. Cost is going to average around 12 dollars per container. Hope this helps even though my details are sketchy-lol! Take care

Paul

Thanks Paul!! I just need something thats Houdini-proof, lol. But I should be able to find something with all the info you gave... Thanks again!

Melody

I got mine at ReptileTubs.com they are by far the cheapest I've found even with shipping, and Eric is great to work with.
-----
Tosha

3.7.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently un-named)
0.1.0 Siberian Husky (Kita)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
7.9.5 Fish (1,2,3,4...)
0.0.1 Frog rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.2 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer

>>I got mine at ReptileTubs.com they are by far the cheapest I've found even with shipping, and Eric is great to work with.
>>-----
>>Tosha

Are all those tubs see through? Just curious, because I may go with one of those since they're specifically made for snakes and still aren't as expensive as a glass tank.

As clear as Sterlite. Like sterlite, they're made for close not snakes. It just works great for snakes.
-----
Larry Walker

Yep, They're pretty clear!

-----
Tosha

3.7.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently un-named)
0.1.0 Siberian Husky (Kita)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
7.9.5 Fish (1,2,3,4...)
0.0.1 Frog rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.2 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer

>>Yep, They're pretty clear!
>>
>>
>>
>>-----
>>Tosha

And that's from ReptileTubs.com? Sweet!

I use (or settting to use as I haven't bought the snakes yet LOL) large sterlite containers, and to make sure the lids are wel secure, I used 4 eye hooks screwed into the sides of the container with the sharp ends covered in ducktape to protect the snakes from the sharp point. THen used bungi cords hocked into the eyes to hold down the lid.

I picked mine up at a local home organizing store. Check out the ones in your area. They are made by Iris and are 17 3/4" X 33 1/2" X 6"

Good luck
-----
Larry Walker

>>It sounds like you’re using the split lids. I use CB 70 which doesn’t use the split lid. The split lid should however work in a rack. The rack shelve top and bottom keeps the lid from opening.
>>
>>Good luck
>>-----
>>Larry Walker
>>

The one I checked out is like that. Its setup so the lid can bend up on either side with the other side still clamped down. But, Im not using a rack so thats my problem. Just one container for one snake. Maybe, I'll try the bungee thing. I don't know.

I strongly recommend that you make a small rack for the tub as so as possible. Your ball is strong and could get out even with bungee cord.
-----
Larry Walker

worked for me when I had to temporarily store 50 smaller balls in sterilites. I took a soldering iron and burned a small slit in the side of the tub at the top and a slit in the lid that lines up with the other slit. Put the lid on and slip a zip tie thru and nothing will open that end without scizzors. Do it at both ends and it will be as secure as any other method. Just snip off one tie and open the lid when needed, the other tie acts as a hinge.

Should be able to find at any hardware store. The lid won't budge with this at the hinge and the ends locked. Shown on Iris CB110.
Paul

>>Should be able to find at any hardware store. The lid won't budge with this at the hinge and the ends locked. Shown on Iris CB110.
>>Paul
>>

You know, believe it or not, I was just at Home Depot today and saw those and thought the same thing. So what I did was I took one of them and went over to where they sold the sterilites there. I put in on the center of the lid. Well, I tried pulling up on the lid with it on there and it came right up out of it without too much of a struggle. Now, I like to think I'm stronger than a snake but I know that BPs are very strong and can push things open that you'd never think they could. Anyway, it still may work but I didnt want to chance it with that so instead I got some adjustable clamps and they work great. They put a real tight grip on the lid and at the same time aren't a big pain to take off when you have to remove the lid. They're real cheap too and aren't that big. I'm finally getting closer to getting this put together. Just need some heat tape now.

This is a "Pony" brand clamp about 4.5" long and made in USA. It looks smaller but it's on a CB110. I've seen similar imported clamps in discount stores that aren't as strong. Oh well...It works great for me. The brand new tub in the store probably still had the mold release film on it, that might have made it slip more. I always scrub that stuff off of them when I bring them home. Maybe the Sterlite doesn't have as flat a surface as the Iris CB110...Who knows...
Paul

>>This is a "Pony" brand clamp about 4.5" long and made in USA. It looks smaller but it's on a CB110. I've seen similar imported clamps in discount stores that aren't as strong. Oh well...It works great for me. The brand new tub in the store probably still had the mold release film on it, that might have made it slip more. I always scrub that stuff off of them when I bring them home. Maybe the Sterlite doesn't have as flat a surface as the Iris CB110...Who knows...
>>Paul

You could be right, I just didn't want to chance it. Anyway, can you give me some advice on what you are using for heat? Can I safely use heat tape or an UTH on the sterilite if I plug it into a thermostat or light dimmer? That seems to be my biggest issue right now. How to heat this thing. Just not sure how safe something like that would be on plastic. Once I solve that then I can move forward with setting it up. Thanks.

Ventilation. Did you just poke holes all through it or have you done something else to provide ventilation? Thanks again.

I have the same sterilite container you are talking about and now I will be getting those clamp ( I have been using the weigts in the center idea). I used a drill to just put holes all along the sides and in parts of the top. You have to be careful on the top as it is prone to crack if you put to much pressure on it as you drill. I have a uth heating mine and after some work I got it to a good temp. My biggest prob in using a sterilite has been keeping the humidity down. Luckly I set the tank up 3 weeks before I got the snake, but the first time I set it all up I had 97% humidity. Good luck with your container.
-Alex
-----
1.0 100% het albino ball python
0.1 normal Ball python
0.0.1 uromastyx (Styx)...he is a rescue

>>I have the same sterilite container you are talking about and now I will be getting those clamp ( I have been using the weigts in the center idea). I used a drill to just put holes all along the sides and in parts of the top. You have to be careful on the top as it is prone to crack if you put to much pressure on it as you drill. I have a uth heating mine and after some work I got it to a good temp. My biggest prob in using a sterilite has been keeping the humidity down. Luckly I set the tank up 3 weeks before I got the snake, but the first time I set it all up I had 97% humidity. Good luck with your container.
>>-Alex

Cool, thanks for the info. When you drilled the holes, did you make sure you tried drilling from the inside since it might hurt him with the jagged plastic from the hole sticking through? Or is that not a big deal? Just curious. Plus, have you had any ventilation problems just drilling holes? Someone told me that it wouldn't be enough ventilation for them. And finally, with the UTH, do you have directly on the plastic and what kind are you using? OK, thanks again for the info.